How Is Shiatsu Different From Other Massage Methods?
By Sara Ryan [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sara_Ryan]
Although shiatsu massage is in no way different than the other therapeutic massage methods in healing a patient's body, it is unique when it comes to how a massage therapist massages the patient. Instead of limiting his or her form of massage with only the fingers and thumbs when he or she massages the patient, a shiatsu massage therapist has the liberty of using the elbows, knees, and palms during a shiatsu therapy session. Using the same pressure points as of an acupuncture technique, the massage therapist is aware on how to work the patient's body to improve the health, release tension, relax the stressed mind and body, as well as improved its physical and mental condition.
Another thing that separates a shiatsu therapist among the other massage therapists is that he or she has the knowledge and capability of diagnosing the patient and locating and determining the problem within the system of the patient's body. This is a common practice on a shiatsu massage therapy session before the therapist actually starts the actual massage on the patient. This method is called zen shiatsu which is also a form of meditation used by shiatsu massage therapist which is also believed to provide a good, healthy body and mind coordination. Shizuno Misunaga was the one responsible for the development of zen shiatsu who also was the person who made shiatsu popular outside of Japan aside from Tokujiro Namikoshi who founded shiatsu itself.
Although undressing is common on all types of massage therapy, there are other things that are distinctive when it comes to shiatsu. Usually in a massage session, the patient will lie down on a padded massage table which is elevated for the convenience of the massage therapist. On the other hand, the patient will be asked to lie down on the floor on a futon or shiatsu pad where the massage therapist kneels down in order to apply pressure on the patient. The massage therapist will also use his or her whole body when applying pressure on the patient during the massage session.
Shiatsu massage is also used with aromatherapy to improve its healing benefits to the patient. Imagine the relaxing and healing benefits you get from the shiatsu massage added with an enchanting, relaxing experience with aromatherapy. A good shiatsu massage service combined with exact blending of essential oils will be a pleasurable experience. These two are not usually used together as a single massage therapy service though but they are sometimes offered as complementary healing techniques.
It doesn't really matter whether the techniques are different as long as they serve the same purpose in improving the health of the patient, relieving stress, anxiety and depression, as well as enhancing the immune system. These are all the benefits of natural alternative and complementary medicines.
If you are planning on having a good shiatsu massage therapy session, check the lists on your local directory or through the internet so that you can compare the prices as well as having a good reference on the massage therapists.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Is-Shiatsu-Different-From-Other-Massage-Methods?&id=6156297] How Is Shiatsu Different From Other Massage Methods?